Eugene James Ronsick

Gene was born in Iola, KS on September 29, 1946 to Norma Jo and Jim Ronsick. He was three years old when the family moved to the Lazy R Ranch in Chase County, KS. He grew up a true cowboy, discovering his love for horses and all things outdoors at a young age. Gene attended Elk Union, at times riding his horse to a one room schoolhouse through his eighth grade year. He then attended Centre High School, graduating in 1964. Gene ultimately made his way to Kansas State University where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Kansas State University was good to Gene. He became a lifelong Wildcat fan and football season ticket holder, enrolled in ROTC which was the catalyst to his Air Force career and met the love of his life and best friend Linda Risser. They ultimately married on December 27th, 1969.

After graduating with a Degree in Geology, Gene began pilot training learning to fly C-130 airplanes in Big Springs, Texas. Gene’s first assignment was at Pope AFB in Fayetteville, NC. During this time, his first daughter Laura was born. He continued to be assigned to many military bases in a wide variety of roles, including a stop at Little Rock AFB in AR where his second daughter Karen was born. Throughout this time, Gene also taught Military Studies at the Air Force Academy and served as Squadron Commander at Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX. Six years later the family moved to Virginia as Gene worked as a Legislative Liaison in the Pentagon. From there he went to Frankfurt, Germany where he became a Wing Commander in Special Operations. After multiple assignments all around the globe and another Washington D.C. appointment, he was assigned to Hurlburt Field as Chief of Staff of Special Operations. Gene progressed through the Air Force ranks and achieved the rank of Colonel which he held until retirement. After 29 years of serving his country he retired from the Air Force in March of 1998. Colonel Ronsick was a former 39 SOW Commander and AFSOC Chief of Staff. He was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame in 2014.

After Gene’s retirement, he and Linda relocated to the Kansas City area to be closer to their daughters and family. He then worked as a military contractor for Honeywell for ten years. Upon ultimately retiring for good, they purchased a house at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2008. This provided many lasting memories hosting family and friends over the years. Gene was an outdoorsman at heart and actively loved fishing, hunting and boating. He had a strong affection for his bird dogs and spent many years bird hunting the fields of Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. He was also very involved with his church, specifically focusing on the prison ministry programs. Gene was a very dedicated Grandad and was frequently seen in attendance at his grandkids sporting events and activities, proudly cheering them on.

Gene is preceded in death by his father Jim Ronsick, father-in-law Jack Risser and mother-in-law Adella Risser and grandson Benjamin Eugene Twyman.

He is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 53+ years. His mother Norma Jo, his daughter Laura and her husband Matt and grandkids Luke, Caleb, Hope and Josh. His younger daughter Karen and her husband Kelly and grandkids Trace and Evan. He is also survived by two younger sisters Virginia (Ginny) and husband Ken and family and Barbara and husband Dan and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to The Benjamin E. Twyman Memorial Endowed Fund by donating online at https://support.childrensmercy.org/gene_ronsick or by mailing a check to:

Children’s Mercy Kansas City

ATTN: Department of Philanthropy

2401 Gillham Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

Please include “In memory of Gene Ronsick” in the memo line of your check.

Services will be held at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Wesley Covenant Chapel

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM

13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, KS 66224